Stefan Daniel led the way for Canada at the World Para Triathlon Series event in Edmonton on the weekend, as he claimed gold in the men’s standing division.
For Daniel, a silver medallist at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, it was his first victory of the season. The 21-year-old finished the race in 58 minutes, 54 seconds. He came out of the water in third place, moved up a spot in the bike leg, and was finally able take the lead in the first lap of the run.
“It was a big relief more than anything today,” Daniel said after the race. “I was really happy to come out here with the home support, put in good effort and have the race I wanted to.”
Jessica Tuomeala and her guide Lauren Babineau also posted a gold-medal effort for their first-ever World Para Triathlon Series win, in the women’s visually impaired category.
“It’s really exciting. We have put a lot of work in the last six months. At the beginning of the year I never would have made it up that hill six times,” said Tuomela.
Newcomer Kamylle Frenette also captured a silver medal in the women’s PTS5 category in just her third race, and Jon Dunkerley and guide James Cook added a bronze for Canada in the men’s visually impaired event.
Jamie Bone honoured in Halifax
Four-time Paralympic medallist Jamie Bone was celebrated as one of Nova Scotia’s greatest athletes last week.
The wheelchair racing star participated in the Seoul 1988 Paralympic Games, winning gold in three events – 100m, 200m, and 400m – and bronze in the 4x100m relay.
The Dartmouth, N.S. resident was one of 15 athletes honoured at the Halifax Convention Centre. Hockey star Sidney Crosby was voted number one in the list compiled by the Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame.
Wheelchair rugby team arrives in Australia
Canada’s wheelchair rugby team touched down in Australia over the weekend for their final preparations ahead of the world championships.
Led by co-captains Patrice Dagenais and Trevor Hirschfield, the team is participating in a training camp this week.
The GIO 2018 Wheelchair Rugby World Championships run from August 5-10 in Sydney, Australia. Canada will open its tournament against France.
